Hi, just noticed that today, FB took delivery of its first Embraer 190 (total order of seven, all to be delivered this year). I take it as granted that they are directly replacing the seven ageing BAe aircraft, so no fleet expansion here? Recently, they also have got rid of their Boeing 737 fleet, operating now 3x A320 plus 3x A319. The fleet mix looks quite resonable to me.

So, how does the overall performance at Bulgaria Air look like? Any insight on the financial/economical situation?

Their route map looks quite healthy, covering all major cities in Europe. Is there any chance they might join an alliance? Because to me, this seems to be the only way such a regional carrier can survive.

I have no idea how they're doing, but from the looks they seem to be well managed. They are rationalizing the fleet around two types, E190s and A32x, which are well suited for their routes. Instead of attempting risky expansion or getting into long-haul adventures for prestige, they have numerous code-shares with larger network carriers to feed into their hubs. Seems like a smart strategy overall.

Only improvement suggestion on my side... the 29" pitch in Y on their A319's is terrible, they need to get rid of that (or start charging FR-level fares to compensate). If they want to increase capacity while maintaining the business class up front, they should get more A320's and fit them with Y seats at 30-31". But you can't cram in passengers like that while charging legacy carrier prices.